Developing an understanding of the risk factors for falls among adults with intellectual disabilities: a commentary.

Commentary on: Pope J, Truesdale M, Brown M. Risk factors for falls among adults with intellectual disabilities: A narrative review. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2021; 34: 274-285. 10.1111/jar.12805 Falls are a serious and common problem for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Whilst there is available evidence on falls risk factors for the general population, there is a lack of awareness and understanding of the contributing risk factors for this population. This commentary critically appraises a recent narrative review which sought to identify the risk factors for falls among people with ID. Clinical practice implications: Community nurses may identify people with ID at risk of falls, and work alongside other healthcare professionals and carers to provide tailored multidisciplinary falls-prevention interventions for individuals with ID living in the community.

Preventing falls at home among people with intellectual disabilities: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Falls are common among people with intellectual disabilities. Many falls happen within the home. Our scoping review aimed to identify evidence for falls-risk factors and falls-prevention interventions for this population. METHOD: We conducted a multi-database search to identify any type of published study that explored falls-risk factors or falls-prevention interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. Following a process of (i) title & abstract and (ii) full-text screening, data was extracted from the included studies and described narratively. RESULTS: Forty-one studies were included. Risks are multifactorial. There was limited evidence of medical, behavioural/psychological, or environmental interventions to address modifiable risk factors, and no evidence of the interventions' cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically and cost effective, acceptable and accessible falls-prevention pathways should be available for people with intellectual disabilities who are at risk of falls from an earlier age than the general population.

The use of pedometers in the workplace to increase physical activity.

Lack of physical activity has a negative impact on health outcomes. This is particularly relevant for desk-based workplaces where sitting for long periods is required. This commentary critically appraises and evaluates a Cochrane systematic review of workplace pedometer programmes for increasing physical activity.